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Hi Thank you for sharing your experience about denial of your Hiv+ diagnosis. Even Hiv+ people who have taken treatment can be in denial about the seriousness of the disease and their general health. After five years on medication I still do have to consciously practice adherence to my daily medication routine even though I may not feel unhealthy . Whether it is complacency or worry it is still a denial of the importance of medication to my health and I am aware that I must listen to the advice of my doctor no matter . People who are on medication can sometimes be in denial and then may have bad adherence to the medication over time.I am told that this can also effect their longterm treatment.
Thank you for sharing this! My first viral load was 9,000 and the doctor told me (accurately, as far as I can tell) that that was a great low number. Later I had a VL of 54,000, which the doctor said wasn't so good; if it remained in that range we might want to consider starting treatment. It didn't remain in that range; next test it was down to 23,000 and then it went back to the four digit numbers where it has mostly stayed ever since. Six and a half years into HIV I'm still not on treatment--and I'm obviously not an elite controller at all, although I may be a slow progressor. In your case, you've been undetectable and had a VL of 2,000. Both are pretty amazing, and I cannot think why you feel that the results of the next test will force you to make a treatment decision. Even if the results of the next test were something terrible, it might just be a "blip" and worth waiting for the following test before acting on. However, what I do not understand about this is the exclusive focus on the viral load. Most of us focus primarily on the Cd4 count, and only look at VL and CD4 percentage as secondary matters. What has your CD4 count been like?
riverlassie
I find that tooo many pos folks focus way too much on their numbers. I'm not saying their not important , but what is more important is how you feel physically , mentally and emotionally. With that being said, embrace your " status" of being an Elite Controller. My hubby has been in that category since it was first labeled Non- progressor. I call him ( lovingly) my freak of nature! And because of his status he joined a study group. Every year his sends mega vials of blood to Boston Hospital. That is where the cure may very possibly be found. Don't think , with each doctor appointment that this is when it ends your status. My hubby has been Elite for 20 years and no matter what he'll always be my elite man. Oh and by the way I've been on meds for 20 years ,but I'm elite in his eyes.
November 19, 2014